AN ACT CONCERNING HEARINGS BEFORE THE ADMINISTRATOR AND THE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY APPEALS DIVISION UNDER THE UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION ACT

SUMMARY:
By law the Department of Labor unemployment administrator or examiner initially determining a claimant's eligibility for unemployment benefits has the discretion to hold hearings in person or by telephone or other electronic means.
This act limits that discretion by prohibiting the administrator or examiner from unreasonably denying a request for an in-person hearing.

When a claimant or employer appealed an administrator or examiner's decision, prior law required the appeal to be heard in person at a location reasonably convenient for the parties.
The act makes the telephone or other electronic means the default method for hearing these appeals.
However, it requires an in-person hearing if either party requests one, at a location designated by the Employment Security Appeals Division's executive head, regardless of its convenience for the parties.